[verticalscaler]

Nothing so complicated guys, it is because they are Japanese.

Obviously they can get rid of fax machines and Do Tech Better.

Here, go to a 7 floor electronics store and you'll see Walmart style greeters in larger numbers. Wall to wall. If you buy a washing machine you'll spend hours and meet a whole lot of uniformed employees to show you deference. Like the whole staff of that floor. You get to meet a village where everybody "loves" each other.

As if the store employees themselves cooperatively and humbly assembled the washing machine as a team effort. And no one person stands out.

An artisanal washing machine that crafts people diligently slaved away at making bespoke just for you. And sacred reams of paperwork they will equally fill out with the outmost of care and send by well trained hawk if need be. The more effort and "care" spent the better.

Or you can just order it online on the website for that very store. Same price. So what the hell?

I think it is because they don't view BS jobs as a bad thing but rather as necessary for an inclusive and harmonious society.

Theirs Not to Reason Why, Theirs But to Do and Die.

[zztop44]

Very weird comment. I bought a washing machine earlier this year. From a 7 floor electronics shop. The only “paperwork” was the receipt and choosing a delivery time. I declined extended warranty. I dealt with exactly one salesperson, one other person trying to get me to change my phone plan in exchange for a discount (I declined) and one cashier.

[verticalscaler]

Thus ruining these peoples day and rather strengthening my point. :P

Receipt and delivery time is all that is necessary, 10 minutes tops, in and out. It absolutely can and should go that way and did in your case.

But sometimes the pomp and circumstance take over and you would think it is 1924 and these are the first machines sold in Japan or something. That's because on slow days that floor full of people have diddly squat to do. Count them, it is x4-5 more than elsewhere.

Next time you're in BIC stay a while and observe. Especially older couples, they love the attention. That's the other subtle aspect at play I think. Loneliness resents efficiency.

The Western solution seems to be to give people basic income and have them stay home. I offer no opinion on what is "better" and maybe I'm wrong but I really think that's what is going on.

Don't stay home, stay in uniform, we'll find you something <- not an entirely terrible way to be.